Innovation Awards - Miami

An innovative solution to an age old problem.

A lot of engineering went into making a trailerable 32-foot retractable flybridge boat with all of the features included.

With a combined 150 years' experience in the boating business, the judges unanimously agreed we'd never seen this much innovation in a center console.

For a cruiser who anchors regularly, this brings precision and certainty to the frequently imprecise and stressful task of anchoring.

When your life is on the line, knowing that your distress signal has been sent and the PLB is working correctly can make all the difference.

Sea Ray's SLX-400e is an example of integrating a series of innovations, including their Fathom E-Power generator-free boat electric system, to make a better boat.

It's an easy way to enjoy relaxing in the water and will be the hottest thing at the sand bar this year.

A wonderful solution to the age old problem of a wobbly dock.

They've gone farther than anyone to date in bringing a high level of electric propulsion to the tow boat market.

It's a great multi-tasking base that allows recreational boaters to install outriggers, rods and sunshades.

With common service points, catalytic converters, closed cooling, and the ability to run on 89 octane, PCM's Z series engines are environmentally friendly and provide a wide range of power options.

This brings the magic of Seakeeper and a stable boat all the way down to a 23-foot boat and makes installation easy.

The first of a new generation of super-charged V8s with mind blowing potential.

There's no more crying over spilled chardonnay!

The best in a peddle style kayak designed for fishing.

This is a breakthrough prop design that promises lower vibration, increased efficiency and could truly change the industry.

With a host of innovative features like a telescoping tower, hull-sides used as a running surface and the ability to literally dial in your ideal surf wake, this boat has it all.

This is a deep, easy entrance for your dog, and it stores and folds easily - a great way to get your dog on board.

This pressure-activated, all-in-one polisher with integrated compound is a gelcoat and plexiglass regnerating system that reduces labor. Now you have time to actually go boating.

A fully-featured fishing boat packed with features normally found on much larger center console designs.

More than just a night vision camera, the Aurora serves up full color detail providing easier navigation even in extremely low light.

This compact antenna can restore full VHF performance in seconds - it's a must have for emergency use in your life raft or dimasting.

Cobalt has incorporated a number of lifestyle experiences like the fun Splash n Stow and the hi-tech Medallion Instruments vessel conrol system for today's active family.

Great entry level boat with simple and adaptable seating that may excite a new generation of boaters.

A must-have for long trips when you're whiteknuckling a wet rail on a rough water run, this is a simple, versatile and affordable solution when you need to get a grip.

This docking system helps you keep your boat growth-free and ready to go - an alternative to davits or lifts.

Torqeedo keeps turning up the juice with electric propulsion for two new target markets - one for large torque needs as well as one for high speed applications like tow boats.

Made of recycled fishing nets, these lightweight sunglasses remove plastic from our oceans and give fishermen incentive to turn in their old gear.

A new fishing light watertight to 3,000 feet with inductive charging, programmable sound and colors for attracting different species.

The successful marination of a compact and powerful engine creates room in the boat for things you want to carry like gear and extra ballast.

Yamaha's DRiVE system makes handling a big jet boat at slow speeds intuitive and confidence-building.

The marriage between Volvo Penta and it's Seven Marine division clearly demonstrates innovation in highly inegrated and smooth-shifting help to prop outbaord propulsion systems.

With fishing being the most popular on-water activity, Sea-Doo is the first to create a purpose-built small craft fishing machine that's just as happy inshore as offshore.

A simple way to tame a ski boat wake to soften its impact on slalom skiers - both hard core competitors as well as beginners will love it.

When 95% of your customers are wake surfing, the ability to switch and enhace the wave is key. MasterCraft's Switchback tank opens up the sport to expert riders, kids and goofy-foots like never before.

Yamaha harnesses the power of the jet to enhance the surf wake for less than $1000 - including line and board. It mounts with existing hardware and its retrofittable to older boats.

It’s a bowrider, a cuddy, a cruiser and a center console – this design has taken all these to the next level.

It’s rare to find a fishing boat that’s this well designed for both family fun and fishing – we loved it.

Even when you don’t have cell coverage, you can still use your cell phone to protect your crew with the CrewWatcher MOB Alert.

This throw raft is the first USCG-approved, inflatable, throwable rescue floatation device that can be dropped by a drone ever designed.

This was the year of innovative aft seating and this fresh take on the concept took the cake.

An elegant solution to a common problem with large outboards – it takes the kinks out of outboard cabling.

This solar dock brings power generation to remote docks and marinas in an innovative and simultaneously green way.

The EP Carry is a lightweight, simple to operate and affordable solution for tenders.

This is recycling at its best – it saves money for the manufacturer and the consumer.

Bringing common rail technology and increased efficiency to smaller boats.

Lightest 4 stroke in its class with an innovative cowl design for easy and quick access – this is a no brainer once you’ve seen it.

Have them demo this unique material to you with a sharp knife and you’ll be a believer.

Sea-Doo packs more innovation, brilliant accessory engineering and keel-up redesign into 105 inches than we’ve seen in years.

With its integrated brains, this could be the smartest bow thruster built to date. Ever.

Jeanneau has delivered with a convertible walkaround cockpit and cathedral rig that’s the most dramatic changeup to monohull sailboats in years.

A fresh new package from helm to ballast tanks, this tow boat will rock your world.

This chilled out slifer ensures you’ll never bust your knuckles on a leaning post again as you search for a beverage.

Solves a multitude of annoying problems.

Once again Whaler wowed us with its seating solutions in a compact boat.

With fantastic wide-angle view-ability the Axiom family of MFDs is a whole new system.

With an integrated AIS B transceiver, this VHF is a great package of features.

This product fills a need for a comfortable lifejacket will actually wear.

A tiny version of an AIS PLB, this safety is device not a burden to wear.

Single level living on a small version of a European superyacht.

A clever solution to reaching overhead rod holders.

This solves two problems – kayak launch and retrieval as well as getting in one without going for a swim.

Beautifully engineered system that brings electric propulsion to a wider range of sailboat.

This lure is a unique approach to creating an enticing swimming action.

A magnet and titanium crystal combination that keeps wine in the glass, where it belongs.

A well-thought out combination of innovative features with a first marine Carb-5 rating.

Boots with a bilge - they were flippin’ awesome.

TRIXX turns riders into an instant trick artist – you can go zero to hero in five minutes.

Volvo Penta brings the joystick experience to inboards with an all-electric steering system.

The three-rudder system solves a problem that has plagued single-screw inboards for decades.

Once again, Hobie creates a new genre of personal propulsion.

A complete stereo system that totes and floats.

Volvo opens the door for sterndrive boats to join the wake surfing revolution.

It’s the biggest, baddest, most powerful center console EVER.

Brand agnostic with instant gratification, makes this another important arrow in the navigator’s quiver.

The best way to avoid keel damage, is to never hit anything in the first place.

A bowrider with a real cabin, this boat nearly creates a new category – the bow-cruiser.

Once again, Boston Whaler has capitalized on innovative seating options with eleven different configurations in one.

This coast guard-approved light takes all the advantages of LEDs and integrates them seamlessly into the rub rail.

This is a solution to the perpetual problem of safe docking but the StormFender provides extra cushioning for a graceful landing.

States with stringent environmental requirements have given their stamp of approval which is an encouraging step to halting the spread of invasive species.

ROUSH has developed a high-powered engine in an environmentally-friendly package.

At slow speeds, Chaparral’s elegantly simple system creates a surfable wake without hindering planning speed performance.

This is a really slick multi-function display with a digital switching system that is intuitive and functional.

If you want then latest in head-snapping acceleration, mind-numbing power, and better efficiency, you want this engine.

Yamaha’s new ride system gives the rider the ability to stop and turn a PWC along with fantastic dockside maneuverability.

We’ve seen plenty of pontoon boats marketed as fishing models, but the Angler Quest is a true, real Lenny-approved pontoon designed for fishing.

A lot of thought went into creating an asymmetrical hull to counteract the effect of prop torque.

Cannon ball! This board will generate a bunch of smiling faces.

Single-serving gel pouches of hardener and a longer pot life make this paint more user friendly, even for the do-it-yourselfer, potentially lowering the cost of boat maintenance and upkeep.

The NSO16 evo2 brings big boat glass bridge style to midsized power and sportfishing boats. With one black box running two completely independent screens, the NSO16 also adds affordability to the navigation suite.

A well-designed and well-executed hoist, it solves many problems and minimizes cable ware.

This sleeping arrangement of retractable cushions solves the big issue of where to store the cushions when not in use.

Solving traditional installation and maintenance challenges.

Solving traditional installation and maintenance challenges.

For kids, older folks or anyone with a fear of snorkeling, the Zayak Sea Sled opens up a whole new world of underwater exploration.

This is the first expandable-width pontoon boat that goes from 7’ 4” to 10’ wide.

This 39-footer pops up on plane with minimal bow rise, turns like a ski boat, and delivers higher top speeds than conventional hulls.

The Gen2 Surf System combines advanced hull design, weight distribution, custom wake shaping devices and onboard software to create a wide range of wake options.

Welcome to the water – Sea Doo is expanding the entry level of boating. For half the weight, half the power and half the price, you can still have maximum fun on the water.

With innovations like a convertible bow, an intriguing storage system for your skis and an even flatter wake, Mastercarft gives serious water-skiers the best of all worlds.

Beneteau has found a way to attract younger families to sailing with this convertible boat that grows with you.

Raymarine’s affordable high-performance Dragonfly Sonar/GPS makes the power and crisp detail of CHIRP sonar available to inland and coastal saltwater anglers.

SmartPlug Systems’ 50 amp inlet and connector offers increased pin and connector clip contact area—maximizing electrical transfer while eliminating excessive heat.

The first locking, removable rod rack for use in pickups is a unique stainless cable system which allows safe, theft-free transportation of the expensive rod and reel combos.

Harris FloteBote combines a comprehensive and innovative list of features and amenities in the Crowne 250, including a specially-designed Sport Arch.

The Sea Ray 370 Venture uniquely incorporates patent-pending outboard engine technology in a fiberglass express cruiser powered by fully-concealed outboard engines.

Deep Blue is the world’s first industrially produced 80 HP electric outboard powered by batteries adapted specifically for the marine environment.

Yamaha 192 Series boats feature a single supercharged engine—an innovative yet inexpensive solution to maximize control and maneuverability.

The 230 Vantage seamlessly blends comfort, versatility and handling in one remarkable dual console model.

This interactive selling tool includes video, brochures, spec sheets and a configuring tool that allows dealers to create a personalized boat and a quote right on the dock.

This global satellite communicator affordably delivers two-way texting, delivery confirmation, and SOS messaging anywhere in the world.

This simple and affordable add-on can help anyone don their dive gear using an insert that goes into an existing rod holder.

The WatchMate is a dedicated AIS display that combines a touchscreen, WiFi and NMEA 2000 in a compact unit and adds iPad and iPhone apps for added functionality.

The V-lift is twice as fast as existing air lifts, has no air hoses or power pack to contend with, and is perfectly portable because it can be towed with a boat from slip to slip.

The Lehr outboard is powered by propane from many sources including the small green BBQ bottles. With zero evaporative emissions and no winterization needed, Lehr makes sure some boaters never need to carry gasoline aboard.

Suzuki’s Selective Rotation feature combines standard and counter-rotation operation into the same outboard by switching an electronic circuit which eliminates the need to buy a dedicated counter-rotation outboard.

The Ambassador is feature-packed and has the industry’s only electric reclining rear loungers and pop-up wine rack.

The 250 incorporates Sea Ray’s Quiet Ride Technology, a comprehensive effort to lessen the total noise and vibration level by 20 – 50% depending on a person’s location on the boat.

Sea Doo’s ErgoLock seat, angled footwells, and T3 hull combine to create a PWC with incredible turning ability and maximum comfort designed to build confidence in its rider.

The Mako’s innovative AIV hull shape delivers superior stability, good rough water handling and a greater load carrying capacity.

The electric transom on the Oceanis Series opens up the cockpit and adds three feet to the boat, but only when you want it.

The Battle Saddle functions like a classic fighting chair in the cockpit of a sport fishing boat but only takes up one third of the space which is perfect as it was designed for boats 30-40 feet.

This sounder is the only recreational sonar to incorporate commercial-grade frequency sweeping pulse compression (CHIRP) technology and delivers up to five times greater target resolution.

This comprehensive package, designed specifically for sailors, combines broadband radar and sounder, AIS tracking, sonar imaging, and more in one multi-function display. Plus, it can also overlay GRIB weather files and laylines to improve decision making.

On the high-tech side, Navionics developed an app that allows for users to add their knowledge to the Navionics database and help identify the latest conditions that may be transferred wirelessly to their boat’s navigation system.

Now boaters can not only see a buoy at night, but can even read it! With these LED-lighted, solar-powered buoys, nighttime navigating is a breeze.

The Side-Power SEP Series is the first DC thruster range that provides exact proportional control and eliminates the danger of overpowered or underpowered docking. Imtra brings control down to the 35-70’ range of boats and even provides a Hold function that runs the thrusters continuously to hold the boat against a dock for short-term maneuvers like picking up and dropping off passengers.

The DF 40/50 3-cylinder outboards provide 15 percent more displacement and are 5 percent lighter than their 40 and 50 HP predecessors. They bring top end features to a smaller, neater, powerplant.

The 327 holds a patented cockpit-cabin design that allows the sizable cabin to span the beam of the boat.

The GTI SE 130 is a comprehensive package of features for the value-minded rider.

With two models in its line, the Sense Series opens the doors to sailing for those who might otherwise be nervous by close-quarters maneuvering with its Dock and Go System. Combine that with an enormous cockpit for entertaining, a living space separated from the noise of necessary machinery, and a deck that’s easy to navigate, and you have an impressive boat that takes the intimidation factor out of big boat sailing.

The Mastercraft ZFT tower raises or lowers to three different positions and can tow at all three.

This compact, affordable combination of Class D VHF and AIS brings two important safety and communication features into the hands of the average boater.

The hardware of the Hunt Adjustable Table allows you to change the shape and location of the table, while adding versatility to the furniture and the space.

This portable and affordable thermal imaging handheld device heightens safety and security when boating at night.

EZ Launch provides ease of entry and exit, as well as allowing quick launch and recovery for kayaks and canoes.

The display integrated into the tiller GPS receiver provides information without the remaining range at current speed, power consumption and state of charge.

This cordless electric winch handle was designed to allow for easily cranking sailboat winches at an affordable price.

The 370 is an amalgamation of features including the elimination of the motor well, forward sun pad with underneath storage, retractable shade top and molded in bow thruster.

The RXT-X’s digitally controlled fly-by-wire system adds functionality and adjustability to give you complete control of this 260 horsepower water bike.

The digitally adjustable wake system, tracking camera and variable seating configuration of the X-25 combine to make this a unique 22-foot platform.

This PWC trailer allows the rider to launch while seated on the PWC and walk around the trailer without getting in the water.

The BR-24’s low power requirements, low emissions and enhanced short-range resolution deliver state of the art radar performance.

The Easy Tank has the flexibility of a bladder, but the durability of an integrated metal or fiberglass tank.

The judges found this design to be a positive step for the boating industry and alternative energy propulsion systems with its Steyer hybrid engines and vast solar array.

The 70E’s unique and proprietary laminating process, known as Full Stack Infusion, allows an open concept interior design without additional structural farming and employs numerous environmentally-friendly techniques.

The L80’s radical asymmetric hull design uses a single engine to significantly improve fuel economy.

The GTX iS PWC’s active suspension and first on-water braking system puts it in a class of its own.

The LTS Rapid Planing System’s unique rear vent enables low speed, shallow water planing with no bow rise.

NavNET is a multifunction navigation suite available in both stand alone and black box units.

AirBattens increase in-mast furling mainsail performance by 15 percent by significantly improving sail shape. Battens are inflated or deflated by a 12-volt powered control panel or manual pump.

The H2 LED cleat light is a simple, well-engineered and sleek light available in 12-volt or solar versions that mount under a standard 10-inch cleat.

The Eco-Star 200 combines excellent access to electrical motors with exceptional maneuverability of twin propellers, all on the popular deck boat platform. The judges considered this design to be a positive step for both the boating industry and use of alternative energy propulsion systems.

The 34-foot True North combines an innovative hideaway tailgate/transom and moveable cockpit seating for a truly unique design.

Constructed using patent-pending AirWeb technology, this one-of-a-kind performance hull design can be inflated to more than six psi, resulting in a rigid and stable platform that is lightweight and compact enough to be carried as a backpack.

Compact, easily stored, lightweight, well-made and affordable are just a few of the adjectives used by judges to describe the life raft. Roughly the size of a laptop case, this product opens up a whole new level of safety for near-shore boating.

Yamaha’s SHO features several PWC-industry ‘firsts,’ including: A Nano-engineered hull that decreases the craft’s weight by 25 percent; a No-Wake mode that automatically sets engine RPM at optimal no-wake speed; and cruise control.

The revolutionary approach to seating in the Dauntless 230 sets it apart in its class. Great engineering, flawless execution and clever ideas combine to create a new level of comfort and maximum use of space.

The CannonLink module enables any Humminbird fishing system to simultaneously or individually control the operation of up to six Cannon downriggers. The user can automatically deploy or retrieve outriggers, monitor downrigger depth off the bottom and view temperature at depth and speed through water.

By simply squeezing the locking mechanism anywhere on the shaft, the user quickly engages or releases the winch handle.

An alternative to the conventional metal boatlift, the auto-leveling No Profile 18K Platform Boatlift creates extra dock space and provides easy access for boat servicing and maintenance.

The 30-foot Isle Runner combines a patent pending hull design, surface piercing rails and “Super Chines” to provide a soft and dry ride. Features include a unique sunken offside galley, port side entry, convertible helm and dual bait well locations.

The Windmate is a comprehensive wind and weather monitor that gives digital wind speed, wind direction, a digital compass, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and an audio storm alarm.

The Catalina 23 Center Console offers good looks and a serious fishing platform all in a family-friendly sport boat.

The SP Cruiser combines good sail keeping with all the comforts of a trawler. Two cockpits, push-button sail control with the StoWinch sheeting system and a dry interior helm connecting to the forward cockpit are just a few of the unique features of this design.

The 8000i offers video, navigation, radar display, CD player and up to 20 other electronic devices, including Mercury Marine’s SmartCraft engine sensors technology, in one easy-to-use touch screen unit. Each 12-inch display has its own CPU so if one screen sustains damage, the user can simply move to another screen and continue navigating or checking engine controls with no loss of data

The WR20 allows a captain to control his or her vessel from anywhere on the boat. It also has a built-in VHF radio that gives the captain instant communication with other captains without having to visit the bridge.

The filter pump addresses an old problem plaguing mid-range to large boats—the messy job of changing filter housings.

The Escape redefines the entry level boat for youngsters and is an ideal vessel to get new people into the industry.

The self draining floor, trim flaps, injection molded polypropylene hard bottom, folding transom and a host of other features make the Genesis 310 a truly innovative vessel.

The center island design is fresh to the boating industry and uses space in a way not seen on fishing boats until now.

The SkyMate 100 is the only consumer electronics product that offers boaters five essential services in a product small enough to fit on any boat: E-mail messaging; text and graphic weather; position reporting; fax/voice messaging and remote monitoring.

Marelux Yacht Controller allows an owner with minimum boating experience to use a small handheld device to totally control the movement of the yacht, and is especially useful for docking.  Yacht Controller eliminates the need to be anchored at a helm station where visibility is poor or depth of perception is questionable.

A unique product intended for sporting events. By mounting a sturdy unit across the middle of the board, and attaching a hand acceleration component, Surfango’s Power Surfboard becomes the Power Polo Board, giving riders an exceptionally fun boogie boar.

The Triumph Boats Windsor Craft Pontoon Boat has been designed with Triumph’s patented Roplene® Technology.  The use of Roplene allows the boat to be called the world’s only “saltwater pontoon.”  The boat comes with an “Ultra Cabana”—an enclosed walk-in bathroom/changing pop-up with a forced air ventilation system and a 6’2” ceiling height, that becomes a cushioned sun deck when retracted.

It is the largest thermoformed sailboat in the world.  The 216 is formed by heating large sheets of ABS plastic and drawing them down over male molds with the use of suction.  Both the hull and the deck are reinforced with high-density closed cell foam, which is injected between a fiberglass mat and the formed plastic sheet.  The result is a boat that is five times more impact resistant than conventional fiberglass.

The engine features a brand new, double-overhead cam powerhead with 3.6 liters of displacement—the largest in this category of engine.

The engine meets all EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions requirements, virtually eliminates CO2 emissions, and is almost maintenance-free, being the first outboard engines to require no scheduled dealer maintenance for three years.

This is the industry’s first gas generator of this size.

Bayshore Boats’ Sportsman boat was a unanimous choice for the judges in the fishing boat category. It’s like they took a custom Carolina sportsfisherman and shrunk it down to scale.  This boat is truly unique—really a work of art.

The judges believed that Hunt Yachts’ Hunt 36 Harrier stood out from the rest of the entries, demonstrating that timeless yacht forms can be completed using the latest technology.

Zodiac’s Fastroller boat had two innovative features that made it stand out compared to other PWCs: it’s simple self-bailer and a patent-pending Acti-V floor and keel design, which could replace hard floors currently in use.

Yamaha’s SR 230 is the first twin-powered four-stroke jetboat. It is also equipped with a very innovative transom design that opens the boat to new possibilities.

Hobie Cat’s Hobie Bravo was recognized in the sailboat category for its simple and clever design. The judges also said that with its low price, it will help introduce new people to boating who might not otherwise get on the water.

The Solara 220I boasts a “Conic Induction” hull that enhances performance. It’s double-step hull and 12-degree pad amidships gives it more speed. The deck has one of the most complete topsides we’ve ever seen on a 22-footer. The boat includes a molded-in refreshment center, dual-voltage fridge, sink and a built-in air pump to inflate tubes and water toys.

The XPD is the essence of innovation. Not only did Volvo create a new composite drive that’s virtually indestructible and corrosion-resistant, but it also has a list of innovative features like an automatic flushing system that makes it unusually user-friendly.

A silent-running pump that maintains a steady water flow while controlling hot water mix.

The Dougherty Everglades Boat combines a state-of-the-art building process called RAMCAP, which makes the boat unsinkable, with a beamy, lightweight hull. It’s a unique design clearly aimed at the serious fisherman.

The Zodiac 24-Foot Medline III was recognized as the best inflatable because it includes all the features of the finest sportboats. Some of the features included are an enclosed cabin space in the helm console, a spacious sundeck, shower, sink, cooktop, and 12-volt cooler. It can also hold twin 150-hp outboards for a great top end, but offers the stability of an inflatable.

The Viking 105 is being recognized because it is the first yacht of its size to be a total turnkey package. With no options on the boat, Viking can build the craft on a production basis so customers don’t have to wait two years from ordering to have it delivered.